LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Phil Mickelson picked up a small consolation after his runner-up finish in the
PGA Championship yesterday: He extended his American record by qualifying for his 10th consecutive
Ryder Cup.

The PGA Championship was the final qualifying event for nine Americans to make the team that
will face Europe next month in Scotland.

Mickelson was on the outside going into the week and didn’t want Tom Watson to spend one of his
three captain’s pick on him. But after finishing second yesterday, Mickelson moved up to No. 5.

No joy for second

Mickelson hardly sounded like a guy who nearly won his sixth major, and he wasn’t about to let a
strong showing brighten the way he felt about his year.

A lot of work lies ahead.

“I’ve got some regrouping to do these next three or four months,” Mickelson said after losing to
Rory McIlroy by a shot. “I have some glaring areas in my game that I have to work on.”

Mickelson closed with a 5-under-par 66 and held the lead on the back nine, an encouraging
performance after a largely disappointing season. He wasn’t a factor in the first three majors.

But at 44, Mickelson wants to do more.

“I feel like if I’m able to continue to be strong and healthy and sharp in these areas of my
game, I should have four or five good years,” he said, citing his short-iron game and driving
accuracy as problematic areas.

Fowler close again

Fowler achieved the rare feat of top-five finishes at all four majors, but his tie for third
yesterday was the one that stung the most.

Three times over the first 10 holes he seized the outright lead before being caught by the
chasing pack.

“This is probably the one that hurts the most for me with the majors this year,” Fowler said
after signing off with a 3-under 68 that left him two shots behind McIlroy. “The first three
(majors) were a lot of fun, obviously, to be in great positions and to get great finishes. This one
I felt like I could go out today and win it.”

Even so, Fowler finds himself in illustrious company.

He joined Tiger Woods (2000, 2005) and Jack Nicklaus (1971, 1973) as the only players to finish
in the top five at all four majors in a season during the modern era.